History of Bikaner

A descendant of the founder of Jodhpur named Rao Bhikaji founded Bikaner in 1488. Bikaner is a fortified city with the forts dating back tot the 15th century. The city is surrounded by high fortifications with seven-kilometers long wall, which encircles the old city and has five entrances. Bikaner has Ganganagar and Hanumannagar in its northern side, Churu lies in its eastern side and Nagaur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer are in its south while in the western part it has the neighboring country Pakistan. Due to its geographical location, Bikaner became an important city on the great caravan trade route during the medieval period.  

Some Tourist Attractions In Bikaner :

Junagarh Fort :

The Junagarh Fort is one of the forts in India that has never been conquered or seized. Raja Rai Singh, a general in the army of Emperor Akbar built, it in 1593. Enclosed by a moat, the fort has a number of gates. Karan Pol (gate) provides access to the fort. Next to it is Suraj Pol (sun gate). There are a number of buildings within the fort like Anup Mahal, Ganga Niwas and Rang Mahal. There is also a Har Mandir, the royal temple for worshipping gods and goddesses. Built in red sandstone and marble, these palaces house numerous courtyards, balconies, kiosks and windows.

Prachina Museum :

Situated in the Junagarh For, the Prachina Museum houses a rich collection of royal costumes, textiles and accessories. There are also Poshaks (the traditional ladies ensemble) in the museum. Also on display are family portraits of the former rulers of Bikaner.

Lal Garh Palace :

A Bikaner, Rajasthan sightseeing tour must include the Lal Garh Palace. Maharaja Ganga Singh built the palace in the memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh in 1902. Constructed in red sandstone, the palace is an architectural delight. The architecture is a blend of Rajput, Mughal and European architecture. Ornamenting the palace is amazing latticework and filigree work. The palace also houses a rare collection of paintings and hunting trophies.

Rajasthan State Archives :

This Directorate has in its possession some very precious administrative record of Mughal period like Persian Farmans, Khatoot, Akbarat, Vakil Report, Nishans, Manshurs, Arzdasht, etc. Also housed are the records created during administration of the princely states of Rajasthan such as Chithiat, Parwanas, Pattas, Rukkas, Bahiat, etc. The directorate also provides facilities like microfilming, reference library and research rooms to the researchers.

Ganga Singh Museum :

Ganga Singh Museum exhibits an array of archaeological discoveries dating back to the prehistoric Harappan and early Gupta period. The display includes paintings, arts and craft, terracotta, pottery, carpets, coins and ancient Rajput weaponry.

Bhandeswari Jain Temple :

This temple was constructed in the fifteenth century and Bikaner' s oldest monument. Mirror work, frescoes and gold leaf paintings adorn the temple.

Havelis :

The nobles and the wealthy people of the bygone era used to live in huge mansions known as Havelis. Exquisite carvings and sprawling courtyards adorn these havelis. The most famous havelis of Bikaner are those belonging to Kotharis, Rampurias, Vaids and Daga.

How to Reach Bikaner

by Air:Jodhpur is the nearest Airport. Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan is well connected by Regular flights from all the metros cities of India--. Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai.

by Rail:A good rail network with cities connects Bikaner like Delhi, Kolkata, Jaipur and Allahabad.The "Palace on Wheels" luxury train also covers Bikaner in its eight-day tour of Rajasthan.

by Road:Bikaner is connected by road with the major cities in India. National and State Highways link Bikaner with the other major cities and metros in India. Delhi is 456km, Jaipur 334km and Jaisalmer 333km from Bikaner.